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Printer Primer

Welcome to the Printer Primer

First, a bit of basic printer terminology

Single-Function Peripheral (SFP) - Fancy term for a device that just prints.

Multi-Function Peripheral (MFP) - Fancy term for a device that prints, scans to network destinations, and copies. MFPs tend to have more horsepower and larger displays than SFPs.

Digital Sender (DS) - Fancy term for a device that only scans to network destinations.DSs tend to have more horsepower and larger displays, like MFPs.

Device - A generic term referring to an SFP, MFP, or DS.

Solution - The collection of server components, cloud components, apps, hardware accessories, and/or other software that work together to extend the functionality of the device.

Managed Device – Devices sold to managed print service providers to enable a lower cost for overall service and ongoing operation for their customers. These devices have features specifically for manageability by managed print service providers (remote capabilities, focus on maintenance/service, specific components to lower service cost and extent product life.) Managed devices have "Managed" in the model name.

Transactional Device – A device sold sold directly to end customers. Transactional devices are fundamentally different from their managed versions. Transactional devices do not have "Managed" in the model name.

Enterprise Device - A device designed for enterprises (>1000 employees) that require the most advanced security and solutions capabilities. Enterprise devices have "Enterprise" in the model name.

Professional Device - A device designed for SMB customers (10-1000 employees), with only the most basic solutions capabilities. Professional devices have "Professional" or "Pro" in the model name.

Flow Device - A flow device has enhanced HW and FW features that optimize it for customer workflow optimization (optimized for scanning, speed, duty cycle, and workflow integration). Flow devices have "Flow" in the model name.